Even though Sesame Street announced that long-time roommates Ernie & Bert are not getting married, there are plenty of kids in the world who have gay parents, relatives, neighbors and friends. And as the world changes, and the concept of family evolves beyond the traditional nuclear model, it’s more important than ever to teach your children about tolerance and acceptance.
Kids, especially younger children, may ask difficult questions about being gay, and it can be hard to find the right words. If you need help, here are some great books that help explain homosexuality and same-sex marriage to children:
1. Daddy, Papa & Me by Lesléa Newman: This book is a sweet story about the love any family can share. It shows a toddler spending the day with her daddies. Learn about the love between same-sex parents and their children.
2. Mommy, Mama & Me by Lesléa Newman: Similar to Daddy, Papa & Me, this story shows that any family can have a loving and strong bond, regardless of the sexual orientation of a family.
3. Who’s In A Family? by Robert Skutch: This open-minded picture book depicts families of all size, shape and makeup in order to intentionally emphasize the normalcy of all kinds of family arrangements. In the end, the book determines that a family is simply “the people who love you the most!”
4. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell: The true story of the lives of Roy and Silo, two male penguins in New York’s Central Park Zoo who found themselves raising an egg together. Incredible!
5. Arwen and Her Daddies by Jarko De Witte van Leeuwen: This is a story of Arwen, born in New York City by her daddies, told by 4 year old Arwen herself. It’s a great lesson in acceptance, diversity and love.
Do you know any other good books to help parents explain homosexuality to kids? Let us know in the comments!
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